Nevirapine (Viramune) Drug for AIDS/HIV: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Nevirapine
(Viramune, United States and Canada)

Use:

Nevirapine or Viramune is an anti-viral drug used in conditions like AIDS.

How It Works:

Nevirapine or Viramune is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) of the antiretroviral drug group. It inhibits the same viral enzyme that AZT does, but does so in a different way.

Side Effects:

Severe rashes and skin reactions are common with Nevirapine or Viramune.

Cautions for People:

People with pre-existing skin conditions may find that Nevirapine or Viramune aggravates their skin condition.

Drug Interactions:

Nevirapine or Viramune is used in combination with AZT. If it is used alone, resistance develops quickly, but with AZT it remains active for a longer period of time.

Further Reading:

An Intern Med 1996;124:1019
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 1996;12(6):507

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.